Minimum Age to Purchase & Possess in Illinois

Illinois prohibits any person under age 18 from possessing a handgun.1 State law also prohibits any person from knowingly transferring a handgun to any person under age 18.2

However, Illinois also prohibits individuals from possessing firearms if they do not hold a FOID card,3 and prohibits any person from knowingly transferring a firearm to a person who does not hold a FOID card.4

To obtain a FOID card, an individual must be over 21 years of age or have the written consent of his or her parent or legal guardian to possess and acquire any firearms and ammunition.5 Further, the parent or legal guardian must not be prohibited from obtaining a FOID card.6 Even with parental consent, persons under age 21 do not qualify for a FOID card if they have been convicted of a misdemeanor (other than a traffic offense) or adjudged delinquent.7